This weekend I'm taking you along Bellevue Avenue in Newport, RI, that was featured on
Fine Living's Dream Drives back in 2000, a series that explored some of America's greatest neighborhoods..., perhaps you remember it?

You see Bellevue Avenue on the left, lined with trees and
Newport's legendary Mansions which attract thousands of visitors every year that stroll along the Avenue or the
Cliff Walk...

... so I took some pictures last Sunday as my husband and I went for a stroll ourselves..., you might know, I live close to Newport, in fact that very show is the reason why we relocated from Long Island to Newport, RI, to a winter rental at first, right on Bellevue Avenue..., which at the moment is still bare, but nonetheless beautiful...
... and while Newport's Mansions are open to the public, the majority of these stately old homes are private residences...

... mega single home dwellings with majestic gates, park like grounds and lots of square footage...

... or multi-family abodes where you can own a condominium and live big on a smaller budget with prices starting in the low 400,000s, not this one though..., if you want an entry like this...

... magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean...

... soaring ornate ceilings...

... a large marble fireplace, beautiful stained glass...

... decorative plaster work and original details from when it was built in 1888..., you pay more, much more, 2.25 million..., and for that kind of money you can buy the estate on 447 Bellevue Avenue...

... well almost, it's actually priced at 2.8 million..., and it's not really an estate either. It's the carriage house of the once lavish Swanhurst Estate built in 1851, "summer cottages" they were called back in those days...

... and while Swanhurst can't boast an ocean view it has gorgeous grounds and a wonderful pool...

... renovated in 1995, it has been recently updated, offering all the modern amenities you would want...

... such as multiple fireplaces, beautiful hardwoods, elaborate moldings...

... gourmet kitchen...

... a formal dining room with decorative ceilings and marble flooring...

... and French doors in the living room that open to a granite terrace..., just to name a few...
But as stunning and unique these places are, both of them have been on the market for a very long time...